Transmigrating Into a Fantasy World: Signing in During Pregnancy, Reaching the Summit with My Childhood Sweetheart

209: Chapter 209: Crimson Rock Ghost Market and the News of Molten HeartThe relentless sun of the Southern Wilderness mercilessly scorched the crimson earth, heatwaves distorting the distant scenery. Having dealt with the aftermath of the Fire Fiend Gang, Nangong Xuan’s group of three did not linger. Although the commotion from the earlier fight wasn’t too large, in this chaotic land, any fluctuation of spiritual power could attract unnecessary prying eyes.

Based on the fragmented information tortured out of the One-Eyed Stout Man and the general orientation from the star map, Nangong Xuan identified a direction. The three of them restrained their auras and used the cover of jagged rocks to depart quickly.

As they traveled, the environment became increasingly harsh. The ground frequently cracked, spewing out scorching earth-fire and toxic fumes. The Fire Baleful Qi permeating the air grew denser and more violent, constantly attempting to corrode their Physical Bodies and Divine Souls. Had the three not possessed solid cultivation Foundations and the constant harmonizing resistance of the four keys’ balance, an ordinary Golden Core Cultivator would likely find it impossible to take a single step here.

Su Muxue was forced to continuously consume Taiyin Star Power to offset the parching heat. Her cold lunar radiance became the most conspicuous presence among the three, drawing several waves of ill-intentioned Divine Sense scans. However, after perceiving Nangong Xuan’s unfathomable and faintly threatening aura, they all quietly withdrew. In the Southern Wilderness, the Law was survival of the fittest; displaying sufficient strength was the best protective talisman.

Along the way, they encountered other Cultivators. Some traveled alone with somber auras; others moved in groups with uniform clothing, seemingly mining or hunting parties from some Sect. When meeting, most kept a wary distance. Occasional eye contact was filled with scrutiny and calculation, with no attempt to hide greed for Su Muxue and Zi Linger’s beauty, yet none dared to make a move lightly.

After traveling for a full day and crossing several scorching mountain ranges, a peculiar town nestled under a massive dark-red rock finally appeared at the edge of their vision.

That was ”Red Rock City.”

Rather than a city, it was more of a massive, disorganized settlement. There were no tall city walls, only crude perimeter walls and houses built from natural boulders and rough stone. The town was shrouded in a thin crimson haze formed by a mixture of countless Fire Baleful Qi and dust. The noisy clamor of human voices, the clanging of metal, and the roars of some giant beasts faintly drifted out from within.

At the town entrance stood a crooked, charred wooden sign with the words ”Red Rock” written in red mineral pigment; the calligraphy was wild, as if it might burst into flames at any moment. Several fierce-looking Cultivators wearing mixed leather armor stood guard at the entrance, lazily and arrogantly collecting ”entry fees” from the flow of people.

Nangong Xuan’s group paid several water-attribute Spirit Stones brought from the Central State—which appeared quite rare in this region—and successfully entered the city.

The scene inside the city was even more chaotic. The streets were narrow and filthy, lined with all sorts of stalls and shacks. The goods for sale were a motley mix: various Ores containing Fire Baleful Qi, crudely refined Magical Artifacts, Materials from unknown Yao Beasts, and even dying slaves of foreign races bound by iron chains... The air was thick with the smell of sweat, blood, sulfur, and various strange medicinal herbs.

Most Cultivators here had ferocious countenances, bearing scars and Evil Qi. Their cultivation ranged from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core, with an occasional subtle Nascent Soul aura sensed lurking deep within the town. Everyone seemed to have their nerves taut; a single disagreement could lead to drawing blades against one another.

”What a chaotic place...” Zi Linger instinctively moved closer to Nangong Xuan. The atmosphere here made her very uncomfortable. Her Wood Spirit power, full of vitality, was as out of place here as a candle flame in the dark.